YWCA KW

FINAL DAY! ONLY AT Dairy Queen King North, Waterloo!

$2 from each Blizzard sale supports HHTH Waterloo Region!

Also, when you are at the store, purchase some draw tickets for a chance to win one of three great prizes, including 2 medium Blizzards per month for 1 year!

Dairy Queen King North - 628 King St N, Waterloo, ON

October is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the women and girls whose leadership, courage, and contributions have shaped our communities and continue to move us forward.

This year’s theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, is a reminder that women are not only part of history, they are actively shaping what comes next.

Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the achievements of women and girls, reflecting on the progress that has been made, and continuing the work toward greater equity for future generations. 💗

When you put stigma aside, community happens. 🍔💛

Our recent Stop the Stigma BBQ at Block Line brought women, staff, and community partners together for an afternoon of food, conversation, connection, and support.

The event was part of YW Kitchener-Waterloo’s Building a Community Resource and Connection Hub – Supportive Housing Pilot, and was shaped by what women at Block Line said they wanted: more opportunities to connect, build relationships, and learn about community resources.

As Eboni reflected after the event, “Seeing women who are often on their own come downstairs, sit together, eat, laugh and spend time with one another was really meaningful.”
That sense of connection matters. It can help people feel less alone, strengthen relationships within the building, and create pathways to supports in the wider community. The turnout reflected that too, with 89% of the women currently living at Block Line participating in some capacity.

A huge thank you to the Block Line team, our community partners, and everyone who helped make the day happen. The Stop the Stigma BBQ was supported by the Waterloo Region Community Fund and Weiland Family Foundation Fund, both held at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Today, September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We honour the children who never came home from residential schools, the Survivors, and the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of these systems today.

At YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo, reconciliation is closely connected to our work. Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people continue to experience the lasting impacts of colonization and systemic violence, and our responsibility extends far beyond one day of recognition.

Reconciliation asks us to keep listening, learning, reflecting, and considering how we show up in the work we do every day.

For those who are able, Healing of the Seven Generations is hosting a Remembrance Walk in our community today.

However you mark the day, we encourage you to take time to remember and to consider what reconciliation can look like in your own life, work, and community. 🧡

A meaningful start to the season of giving. 💙 We were grateful to join United Way’s campaign kick-off, bringing community partners together around one shared goal: building stronger, more resilient communities.

We’re also incredibly thankful for the hundreds of snack packs provided for families participating in YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo programs. These thoughtful, practical supports make a real difference for the people we serve and are a wonderful example of community care in action.

Thank you to United Way Waterloo Region Communities, Sun Life Canada, and everyone involved for continuing to show up for local organizations and families across Kitchener-Waterloo Region.

A great morning on Bounce Radio 105.3! 🏒💙

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo CEO Jennifer Breaton joined Angie Hill and Sarge this morning to talk about Hockey Helps the Homeless and the impact this incredible community event has right here in Waterloo Region. https://www.bounceradio.ca/kitchener-waterloo/shows/

Last week, we were also glad to join Hockey Helps the Homeless - Waterloo Region for their Puck Drop event as excitement builds toward this year’s tournament.

A big thank you to Kitchener-Waterloo's Bounce Radio for helping share the story, and to Hockey Helps the Homeless for continuing to bring our community together around such important work.

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo is proud to be one of the local organizations receiving support through Hockey Helps the Homeless, alongside oneROOF you Youth Services, Cambridge Shelter Corporation, The Working Centre, House of Friendship, and Starling Community Services. Funds raised help strengthen housing and homelessness supports for people across our community.

A lovely afternoon of connection, conversation, and high tea. ☕💐

Members of Club 84 recently gathered at Mary Reynolds’ home to spend time together and enjoy an afternoon of tea and treats.

We’re so grateful for this longstanding group of supporters, who have believed in YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo’s work and supported our community for decades. Your generosity, commitment, and continued belief in our mission mean so much to us.

Thank you, Club 84, for being part of our story. 💙

For Gender Equality Week, we’re looking at some of the areas that influence whether women and gender-diverse people can live safely, participate fully, and build the futures they choose.

Swipe through to explore what gender equality can look like in practice, and why progress in one area strengthens us all.

At YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo, this work continues every day.

We’re proud to see Akshaya and Eboni representing YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo as part of YWCA Canada's inaugural Young Feminists Advocacy Fellowship.

Through the fellowship, young leaders from across Canada are building practical skills in advocacy, research, strategic communications, and engagement with decision-makers — turning their ideas into action for a more equitable future.

We’re excited to follow Akshaya and Eboni’s journeys as they strengthen their voices, learn alongside fellow young feminists, and continue advocating for the communities they care about. 💙

Swipe to meet them and learn more about what they hope to take from the fellowship.

📣 We’re hiring! 📣

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo is looking for a Benefits Specialist to join our team in a permanent part-time role.

If you’re looking for meaningful work with an organization committed to creating opportunities, advancing equity, and strengthening our community, we’d love to hear from you.

✨ Learn more about the opportunity, qualifications, and how to apply:
View the full job posting https://ywkw.myavanti.ca/careers/Job/Details/ADMIN07

Know someone who could be a great fit? Share this post with them!